‘SCOUNDRELS’ takes time to get going
NORMAN — It took much longer than it should have for “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” to win spectators over at Sooner Theatre, 101 E Main.
Quite a few false starts and confusing or ridiculous plot complications kept getting in the way, despite an excellent cast. But “all’s well that ends well,” and some good numbers, plus a rousing finale, made up for many of the musical’s shortcomings.
Opening the show, which is aimed at those 13 and over, was the three-part, “What They Want,” which was well performed but seemed a little too cynical, too soon.
Don Taylor got across the sophisticated style of a cultivated con man, Lawrence, contrasting nicely with the cruder approach of his rival, Freddy.
First tutoring the younger man, a la Pygmalion, Taylor was better in act two, singing “Love Sneaks In,” a little like Rex Harrison in “My Fair Lady.”
Lucas Ross was almost over the top yet often wildly funny as Freddy, pulling our leg, when he gets smitten, too, in “Love Is My Leg.”
Solid support came from John Cargal as Lawrence’s partner in crime, Andre, delivering an early satirical song, “Chimp in a Suit,” with considerable panache.
After intermission, Cargal joined Cindy Hanska, as Murial, in the touching duet, “Like Ziz, Like Zat,” which was so good she reprised it, a few songs later.
Arriving on the scene belatedly, then nearly stealing the show, was Danielle Flesher, as Christine, an ostensible heiress beating the men at their own game.
Most memorable was Flesher’s “Nothing Is Too Wonderful To Be True” duet with Freddy — a song whose sweet sentiments did sound too good, but were welcome.
Flesher also helped give the musical its powerful finale, teaming up with Lawrence and Freddy after they’d just bonded as what they really are in the “Dirty Rotten Number.”
Full of too much throwaway material, such as a well-performed but insulting sendup of “Oklahoma,” the production also insulted China, Iceland and Stillwater, at no extra charge.
Directed by Lisa Fox, the musical by Jeffery Lane and David Yazbek, based on the 1988 film, was performed Friday at Sooner, with a four-piece pit band, led by Mervin Tay.
Slow getting things together, but making an impact when it finally did, at least in the finale, Sooner’s “Scoundrels,” is recommended.